Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Today's Special - - Jillian Hunter

I am so pleased to introduce New York Times, USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author Jillian Hunter. As the author of more than twenty published novels, Jillian is well known among romance fiction enthusiasts. What you may not know about Jillian is that she has a personal family history that reads like a bestselling novel as well. Check out the Bio on her website for the whole story. You can also connect with Jillian at her Facebook page. Jillian was kind enough to answer some questions for us recently about herself and her books, including her upcoming March 5th release, The Mistress Memoirs: A Boscastle Affairs Novel.

Welcome, Jillian! Thanks for hanging out with us today.Thank you for having me! I appreciate your time and I am happy to visit!Congratulations on the upcomingrelease of The Mistress Memoirs, the thirteenth book in your popular Boscastle series. Please tell our readers a bit about the Boscastles and what we can expect from this book.The Boscastle series started out as a trilogy about a family of Regency lords and ladies who are forced to rally forces upon the death of the tyrannical father who kept their mayhem under a semblance of control. The trouble is that their new patriarch, the heir and eldest son, Grayson, the fifth Marquess of Sedgecroft, isn’t convinced that he’s the man to inflict moral responsibilities on his siblings when he has no intention of settling down himself. But once Grayson meets a young lady who outsmarts him at his own game, he realizes he has found a woman devious and delightful enough to share his duty. The original tagline for the series was Scandal … Seduction … Secrets … Savoir faire! It’s all business as usual in the family were love conquers all -- one at a time. The Mistress Memoirs is a continuation of the series about one of the Boscastle cousins who grew up close to the original family.

Does The Mistress Memoirs stand alone or would it be better to read other Boscastle books first?I think this book stands alone because Colin has been pretty much a solitary player most of his life. In the scenes when he is reintroduced to his brothers, I try to keep the character count to a minimum. However, I did include a few cameos to please readers who write to ask me what is happening with a character they haven’t heard from in a while. It might be more fun to read the other books first, but it isn’t necessary.I agree. Reading the book as a stand-alone worked fine for me. It has, however, made me want to pick up the other books and read those stories too!

I wasfascinated by the dynamic among the three main characters: Kate, Colin and Georgette. What do you want readers to understand about these three?I grew up, as you noted, in a family of resilient men and women. Although Kate has been victimized, I wanted to show that her bad experience does not define her, and that desperation can make us become diamonds. I hope the reader understands that Georgette had an element of choice in her life and that she and Kate became deep friends because they refuse to judge each other. Colin really has to grow as a character to accept their strengths and their weaknesses and to realize that life has changed since he’s been gone.Without giving away spoilers, what is the one scene you would never cut from this book?Iwouldn't cut the scene where Colin eavesdrops in the hedge and has to face the undeserved wrath of the household for hurting Kate.We all haveour favorite comfort reads around here. What book (or author) do you turn to when you feel the need for some fictional comfort? Maeve Binchy is a comfort read for me.Whatone thing would readers be surprised to learn about you?I'mrather like a spider who likes to spin webs. I’d be very happy living in the corner of a library.You have an amazing family history. Have you ever considered writing a book about your grandmother or using her and your parents as inspiration for a WWII romance?It's funny. I talk about certain things to my oldest friends and relatives and we rarely tell anyone about the past because we figure no one would believe us. My mother, uncle, and grandmother served in Swansea, Wales during what was called the Three Night Blitz when the Nazi Luftwaffe bombed the Welsh port. After the war my grandmother divorced one of the five husbands she would outlive and moved with my mother and uncle to Edinburgh. It’s a running joke in our family that my beautiful mother refused to date Sean Connery only to end up marrying a real international man of mystery. But that’s another story. I am incredibly blessed to have been born into a family that taught me so much about life. I wouldn’t fictionalize their lives.Will you be attending any conferences this year where readers will have the opportunity to meet you?Not this year. I’m going to write and spend time with my family at the beach. I’ll miss everyone, though!While we'll miss you, I have to say that beach time with the family sounds lovely! What's next?
I'mwriting Damien Boscastle’s story next, and one day I hope to clean my office.Good luck with the office. I've finally come to terms with the fact that mine will never be completely clean.Would you like to ask our readers a question?Do youread mainly print or e-books? What are you looking for in an ideal read?Thanks again for graciously answering all of my questions, Jillian. We wish you all the best with The Mistress Memoirs.

Readers, Jillian is giving one copy of The Duchess Diaries to two randomly selected people leaving a comment today. (open internationally)***************************************

The Mistress MemoirsMarch 5, 2013

Disgraced by her past employer, young governess Kate Walcott owes her loyalty to the only woman willing to hire her—the sought-after courtesan Mrs. Georgette Lawson. Georgette entrusts Kate with the care of her unruly children—and the writing of her shocking memoirs, which detail her affairs with famous gentlemen, including the rakehell who promised to marry her, then ruined her.

Sir Colin Boscastle intended to keep his promise to Georgette—until his father was murdered. Thirteen years of chasing vengeance pass before he returns to find Georgette sleeping in his enemy’s bed. Revenge has destroyed their romance, but the two former lovers agree to set a trap to restore Colin’s honor.

Caught in this deadly game, Kate struggles to resist Colin’s virile charm. She knows he is a born heartbreaker and unreliable rogue. Should she believe him when he whispers that, for her, he will change his sinful ways?

68 comments:

I enjoy your books. The characters are multi-dimentional and the story lines are complex enough to keep readers interest. You have bee very lucky with the covers. They are lovely. Keep your stories coming. Many of us look forward to when the next one will come out.

The corner of a library is a wonderful place to reside. I have been turning my house into one for a while now.

I love Jillian Hunter's books!! I love the Boscastle family I"m not sure which is my favorite maybe Chloe she was always mischievous :)!I'm ashamed to say this, but I have fell behind on Jillian Hunter's series!! I still need to read A Bride Unveiled and The Duchess Diaries!!I have a secret hope for Brandon Boscastle to make an appearance and not really be dead.... Wishful thinking?!?!?!

As for what style of book I prefer I love both. Ebook or print either way is fine by me. I will say I have been known to stay up until midnight though so I could by a book the second it went on sale.. That is a huge perk to ebooks.And an idea read for me is a book that makes me laugh and keeps me guessing on whats going to happen :) BTW your books are perfect for both!

Hi Jillian! I love these Boscastles! I discovered them when maybe the sixth book was out and it was a delight reading each and everyone of them. I do remember the name Colin's name but don't recall which books. That name is in my head and can picture him... lol. It's hugging me to want to know his story! I do love your humorous in your writing that makes me look forward to the next book!

I like both ebooks and prints. See with ebooks, my hubby don't know how many I have and all I read. Lol. And easy to store (now that I use Amazon I don't lose if something happens to my computer). But too I love reading too many of the small pub authors (many in the NY pubs started with ebooks in the small pubs). But too I love to hold a book! See the step-back covers and too the great scent of new books.

Sorry this is a long post. Love chatting books and your question was great. And love this blog!

Jillian, After the second Boscastles Affairs books will there be more or a new series?

Kudos to you, PJ, for volunteering at a hospital. It makes you grateful for what you have, doesn't it? And thank you for having me as your guest today. I loved your questions!ypat

librarypat,

Thank you! As long as my stories are organically grown, I'll keep writing them. I do wish I could write faster, but life happens, if you know what I mean. The cover fairy (and my editor and the art department) have been good to me!

Thank you, Savannah!

Chloe is an adventurous soul, but I guess she's just taken a page from her brothers. No need to apologize for missing books. I'm delighted that you discovered the series! I will say this -- most of my reader mail is about Brandon. And everyone wants him to come home.

I hope I don't let you down with any books in the future. I love humor, too, but I have to restrain myself because not everyone does. It makes me happy to know that you enjoy it. Laughter holds the darkness at bay for me.

Hmmm. I never considered the husband factor and e-books. Too bad I couldn't sneak home my tea cups that way!

I'm not sure what the future holds after I finish my current one. I just put one page after another and then wait for an idea to come!

Oh I've never read Jillian but this series sound great :D I absolutely love the covers... Really pretty.

I only ever read print books, don't have an e-reader & it's just not the same for me to read a whole book at my desk, behind the computer. I like to sit somewhere comfy and cozy. Cushions and a cup of tea at hand. You see I tried to have a nice cuppa at the desk while on the computer once.... Big mistake, it fell over and destroyed the mouse. Luckily the computer survived.

Your post made me realize that I always keep my cup at the far left side of my computer! I think that in the past I spilled my tea and went into a panic. I love print books, too, because holding a book is a sensory experience, but I understand the appeal of e-readers. Then again I consider beautiful covers to be works of art!

I do too, Mary. My dad was the story keeper of our family. When he was diagnosed with terminal cancer, I set up a video camera in his living room and spent the summer before he died recording him telling me all the family stories we had enjoyed hearing all our lives. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to capture those stories, in his voice, for future generations.

I love my print keepers that I've collected over a lifetime of reading, but these days I buy mostly ebooks. There's never a problem finding the books I want on the day they are released, I no longer have book storage problems, and I can choose a font that is easy on the eyes. My ideal book is one that leaves me with a tear in my eye, a smile on my face, and the conviction that I will be rereading the book.

I have been reading the Boscastle for a while now, I started in the middle of course and had to go back and find the backlist...LOL That is my usual MO.Can't wait to read the latest. I am an ebook convert for the same reasons as Janga, I loved my books and had them everywhere including under my bed. It definitely helps with storage that they can all go on my little reader.

Congratulations on your release, Jillian! Looks like I have some back-reading to do.

I got a Kindle Fire from my DH for Christmas. I looked at it in dismay when I got it, but, oh, am I loving it now!! I will always keep my favorite print books and will buy a print book if it is an absolute fave if I've read it in ebook format. I agree with Dianna and Janga that it helps keep me organized (haha, umm, a little) with my books and not having them strewn under the bed, in the bottom of my closet, on a shelf in my closet, or in dresser drawers.

Thank you, Deb! I admit the Kindle Fire looks enticing, but then there's the Nook, and I'll end up giving whatever I buy to my daughter or asking her to help me. Don't even talk to me about the closet!!!

I prefer a print book. Always. I have a Kindle but I would much rather hold a book in my hands as I’m reading it. The Kindle is nice but I don’t get to enjoy the entire effect of the novel by seeing the cover and the back and such. It’s like trying to eat a lovely dinner only by viewing it!

Thank you for the good wishes, Connie. Reading a print book is a whole brain experience for me also. But there's no reason we can't have the best of both worlds. I think there's an underlying concern that e-books will replace print. I don't see that happening.

Speaking of closets and Chloe -- my closet is such a mess there could be a man hiding inside and I wouldn't notice! I'm grateful that you are an avid reader. Thank you for stopping by today with the kind words! They are much appreciated.

I read my first Boscastle novel back in 2010.. got hooked on it right away. Since then, I've been hunting the rest of the Boscastle books, and was lucky to find them all, except the latest, this 'blue beauty - The Mistress Memoirs." ;)

I am so blessed to have faithful readers like you! Blue beauty. Oh, I like that. My youngest spotted an incredible blue orchid in the grocery store the other day. I think it was an orchid, and she said, "Mom, look! It's the color of your book!" Credit has to go to the artist and my editor. I make suggestions. Thank you!

Congratulations on the new release. I read mostly print books, but an ereader does help cut down on the number of books laying all over the place. I enjoy stories that have a little bit of angst with some witty dialogue.

Congrats Jillian on your release. It sounds so exciting.I have a lot of catching up to do but I'm really looking forward to it. I read only Print books beause I don't have an e-reader and can't read them on this computer. But it kills me because I'm missing out on a lot of great reads. :)Carol LLucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com

Those e-books will still be waiting for you! At least that's what I tell myself, and when a print book isn't available, what's a reader to do? But my TBR list is ridiculous. Thank you for being here for the blog!

I'm a print reader. I love being surrounded by books, especially with such lovely covers such as yours although I must admit I haven't read you as yet. I enjoyed the interview and your stories sound like something I would very much enjoy!

Hi, Jillian! Welcome and congrats on the release of THE MISTRESS MEMOIRS! I have it on my list to buy when I run errands tomorrow. :)

As for your question... I definitely prefer print. There's just something special about holding a book in my hands. *g* That being said, my husband surprised me with a Nook Tablet and I love reading novellas and shorter stories on it.

Thank you for the warm welcome! Your comment reminds me of when my middle daughter was about three and refused to sit while I read to her. She pushed the book to the floor and jumped up from the couch. I had some kind of patience in those days, and I said, "Don't treat a book that way. Books are our friends."

She shouted back, "Books are not our friends! They don't have arms! They don't have legs!"

True, but they do have personalities and, years later, heaven help the dust particle that falls on her first edition of Harry Potter. My book isn't coming out until next week, but there are a wealth of wonderful books that were released yesterday.

I read mainly print books, from the library or purchased. I do read Kindle for PC if there is a good deal or if it is a novella or something that isn't available in print. I read mainly historical or contemporary romance, and sometimes women's literature.

I agree! I almost missed doing this blog because I've been sick with a sinus infection and, to be perfectly honest, talking about my grandmother and my parents really tears me up. I miss them every moment of my life. Kudos really should go to PJ for her perception.

I primarily read print books, but usually have an e-book going on my iPhone or iPad as well. It's always great for those times when I have some time to kill and have my phone with me. My ideal read is an engrossing story with endearing characters that I really want the best for, some humorous moments even in the darkest story, and of course a happily ever after.

enjoyed the interview & the book sounds interesting -- will have to see can fit in :) I read both print & ebook, sometimes the ebooks can be more convenient & there is the whole instant thing ;) but sometimes it's nice to hold an actual book & be able to flip back easily to double check something, or how long a chapter is (can I fit it in before ....?) & of course no issue with battery power running low at an important part either :)

Thanks Jillian for the lovely post! I'm *dying* to read your books :) Ever since I was gifted with my Kindle... I've found that I'm split pretty evenly between print and ebooks. My kindle goes every where with me and it's sooo handy :) But I do still love print and I will continue to buy print as long as the prices don't become outrageous. I look for a story that I can lose myself into and characters that I can fall in love with. It's not just that I want to see what happens, I want to be desperate to know! I read so much across the board that I think I'm pretty picky. I have so much in my TBR pile that I don't force myself to finish a book anymore if I can't get into it.

I'm a picky reader, too. But it's not often that I buy a book I don't like. It's mostly an issue of time to read, and when I do read it's usually for research. Let's hope we all live to retire and tackle our TBR piles!

Thank you for weighing in, Chey. And a huge, huge thank you to PJ and every one of you who took the time to share your opinion. I am going to ask my editor to read this blog because I found your answers reassuring.

Now good night all and God bless. There are a million other things I could say, but all we have to eat in this house are cupcakes, and even my pug is barking for one.

I would like to invite you all to join me on Facebook and check my website from time to time for contests. Thank you!

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